10 Characteristics of a Fanatic

marmalade_skies
Eric Hoffer, a well-reputed psychologist, in 1951, defined characteristics of what he called a True Believer, in the wake of World War II. He noticed that Nazis and Communists, despite being strongly opposed to each other, shared the same traits. We also notice such about our political parties today, that the most devout people on both sides use the same rhetoric and tactics.

The Top Ten

1Interchangeability

They can go from one obsession to the next with equal fervor. Perhaps a Marxist who becomes a die-hard capitalist, or a Christian who converts into an athiest who is obsessed with insulting religious people. - marmalade_skies

2Dogma

Their beliefs are always right and can never be proven wrong, and anyone who offers constructive criticism is greeted with intense anger. - marmalade_skies

3Identity

Their beliefs don't just pertain to the cause but are a part of their identity. They often indulge in "us vs. them" politics. They defend their beliefs because they equate it to their own identity. - marmalade_skies

4Discounted Similarities

A Sony fan believes the PS4 is way way way way better and more powerful than the Xbox One, despite functioning mostly the same. Or a Christian who views Muslims as much different than themselves, despite the fact that the two religions share a lot of common ground. - marmalade_skies

5Lack of Depth

Some people who supported Obama like him because "he supports change" but they can't speak in much depth about his policies. And some people who opposed Obama say "he's anti-freedom" but can't provide concrete reasons as to why he's reducing their freedom. - marmalade_skies

6New Poverty

Many fanatics are people who once had middle-class lives but then as their circumstances went downhill, they feel betrayed by the world. - marmalade_skies

7Ennui

Many fanatics are bored. They don't have much going in their lives and they lack the creativity for hobbies and artistic pursuits, so they join a movement. - marmalade_skies

8Parroting

They don't form their own thoughts or think critically. They often repeat statements that someone else says verbatim and use it as their own argument. - marmalade_skies

9Black-and-White Thinking

There is no in-between for them. It's all one way or the other. Many Democrats and Republicans feel like their party is always right and the other party is always wrong. - marmalade_skies

10Obsession

They talk about their cause constantly and post about it on Facebook everyday. - marmalade_skies

The Contenders

11Apocalyptic Predictions

They say like god told them about some apocalypse (rapture or second coming) and set a date for it. They also constantly talk about their stupid predictions on YouTube or twitter or Facebook.

I think the last one was Harold Camping 21st May 2011, believers sold things they owned, pets, got rid of their money ahahaa idiots.

12Can’t Be Reasoned With

They always slam back at anyone who says they are either wrong, false prophets or cranks.